Gordie Howe International Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gordie Howe International Bridge |
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The bridge in April 2026
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| Coordinates | 42°17′15″N 83°05′52″W / 42.28750°N 83.09778°W |
| Carries |
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| Crosses | Detroit River, Canada–United States border |
| Locale | Detroit, Michigan and Windsor, Ontario |
| Owner | |
| Maintained by | Windsor–Detroit Bridge Authority |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Cable-stayed bridge |
| Total length | 2.5 km (1.6 mi) |
| Width | 37.5 m (123 ft) |
| Height | 220 m (722 ft) |
| Longest span | 853 m (2,799 ft) |
| Piers in water | 0 |
| Clearance below | 46 m (151 ft) |
| History | |
| Construction begin | June 2018 |
| Construction cost | CA$6.4 billion (contract cost) |
| Statistics | |
| Toll | CA$8 or US$5.75 for cars, CA$12 or US$8.75 per axle for trucks (expected) |
The Gordie Howe International Bridge is a huge cable-stayed bridge that connects Detroit, Michigan, in the United States, with Windsor, Ontario, in Canada. It crosses the Detroit River, which forms part of the border between the two countries. This bridge helps connect major highways, Interstate 75 in Michigan and Highway 401 in Ontario.
The bridge is named after Gordie Howe, a famous Canadian ice hockey player. He played for the Detroit Red Wings for 25 years. The bridge provides a smooth, uninterrupted flow for cars and trucks. This is different from the older Ambassador Bridge, which connects to city streets in Canada.
The idea for this bridge started in the early 2000s. There was some disagreement from the owner of the Ambassador Bridge, who worried about competition. However, the project moved forward. A special Canadian organization, the Windsor–Detroit Bridge Authority, was created in 2012 to manage the bridge's construction.
Many approvals and permits were needed in both the United States and Canada. Lawsuits that tried to stop the project were not successful. Construction began in July 2018. The Canadian government funded the construction, and the costs will be paid back using bridge tolls. The bridge is owned equally by Canada and the state of Michigan. By March 2026, major construction was completed, and the bridge was in its "testing and commissioning" stage.
Contents
History of the Gordie Howe International Bridge
Early Crossings and the Need for a New Bridge
The Detroit River has always been an important route between the United States and Canada. For a long time, ferries carried people and goods across. Later, tunnels and bridges were built. The Michigan Central Railway Tunnel opened in 1910 for trains. The Ambassador Bridge opened in 1929 for cars, and the Detroit–Windsor Tunnel opened in 1930 for road traffic.
The Ambassador Bridge became the busiest crossing between Canada and the U.S. Almost 25% of all trucks crossing the border use this bridge. These crossings are very important for the car industries in both countries. Trade between the U.S. and Canada has grown a lot over the years. Also, about 5,000 Canadians travel to Detroit for work every day.
The Ambassador Bridge had some challenges. Large trucks could not use the tunnel, making the bridge the only option for them. It also connected to city streets in Canada, causing traffic delays. This showed the need for a new, modern crossing.
Planning the Detroit River International Crossing
In the early 2000s, officials from both countries started looking into building a new bridge. This project was first called the Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC). It was a partnership between U.S. and Canadian transportation groups.
In 2004, both governments announced that a new border crossing would be built. A special committee was formed to manage it. An extension of Ontario Highway 401, called the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway, was also planned to connect directly to the new bridge. Construction on this parkway began in 2011 and it opened in 2015.
Environmental approvals for the project were granted in both countries in 2009. In 2011, it was estimated the bridge would generate a lot of money from tolls in its first year.
Moving Forward with the Project
Building such a large bridge needed many agreements. In June 2012, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Michigan Governor Rick Snyder announced a major agreement. The Canadian government agreed to fund the bridge's construction, buy land in Michigan, and build the highway ramps for Interstate 75.
The Canadian government's contribution would be paid back using tolls collected on the Canadian side. No tolls would be charged on the U.S. side. The agreement also included benefits for local communities affected by the construction. Even though Canada paid for it, the bridge is owned equally by Canada and the state of Michigan.
Permits and Land Acquisition
On April 12, 2013, the Obama administration gave Michigan the final permit needed to build the bridge. In May 2014, the United States Coast Guard issued its permit. A Canadian government organization, the Windsor–Detroit Bridge Authority (WDBA), started work in July 2014 to manage the project.
The Canadian government began buying land on the Detroit side in May 2013. In February 2015, Canada announced it would also fund the construction of a customs plaza on the U.S. side. This plaza would help process travelers and goods.
On May 14, 2015, it was officially announced that the bridge would be named the Gordie Howe International Bridge. This honored the famous hockey player.
Construction of the Bridge
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On July 5, 2018, a group called "Bridging North America" was chosen to design, build, operate, and maintain the bridge. Construction officially began on July 17, 2018. The project was estimated to cost CA$3.8 billion for construction.
Work continued through 2019, including preparing the land. In 2020, designs for new pedestrian bridges were shown, and work started on the foundations for the main bridge towers. The COVID-19 pandemic caused some delays, affecting work practices and material supplies.
By January 2021, the tower foundations were finished, and the 220-meter (720-foot) tall towers began to rise. In March 2022, the tower legs were completed, and the road deck construction started. The U.S. bridge tower reached its full height in August 2023, and the Canadian tower was completed in December 2023.
The two sides of the bridge were permanently connected on June 14, 2024. This was a big moment, marked by a handshake between Canadian and American steelworkers. By June 2025, 95% of the construction was finished. Workers began removing cranes and testing the bridge's lighting.
By February 2026, major construction was completed. Officials stated in October 2025 that the bridge would open to traffic in "early 2026." In February 2026, the U.S. government officially made the bridge a port of entry, starting March 2, 2026.
Challenges and Toll Rates
In February 2026, a former U.S. president raised concerns about the bridge's opening. He mentioned Canada's trade and the bridge's funding agreement. However, Canadian officials explained the joint ownership and shared benefits of the project. The bridge continued its path to opening.
In March 2026, the bridge operators announced the toll fees. For passenger cars, it costs US$5.75 or CA$8 for a one-way trip. Trucks pay US$8.75 or CA$12 per axle. These rates are lower than those for the nearby Ambassador Bridge and Detroit-Windsor Tunnel. There is also a 25% discount for electronic pass holders. Using the bicycle and walking path is free. In April 2026, the Ambassador Bridge company announced it was reducing its pre-paid tolls for cars.
Bridge Design and Features
The Gordie Howe International Bridge has a cable-stayed bridge design, created by architect Erik Behrens. Its two A-shaped towers stand 220 meters (720 feet) tall on opposite sides of the Detroit River. These towers were designed to look like hockey sticks ready for a slapshot. The road deck is held up by 216 strong cables.
This bridge has the longest main span of any cable-stayed bridge in North America, stretching 853 meters (2,799 feet). The total length of the bridge is 2.5 kilometers (1.6 miles). At its highest point, the bridge is 46 meters (151 feet) above the Detroit River. It has six lanes for cars and trucks, plus a special path for bikes and walkers.
On the U.S. side, there's a large area for border inspections that connects directly to Interstate 75. On the Canadian side, there's another inspection area, toll booths, and maintenance facilities, all connected to Ontario Highway 401. The bike and walking path connects to existing trails and bike lanes on both sides of the river.
Artwork on the Bridge
The bridge project includes several pieces of public art. During construction, local artists created murals on the tower forms. The art on the Canadian tower was made by artists from Walpole Island First Nation and Caldwell First Nation. On the American tower, art was created by Roberto Villalobos from Southwest Detroit. These murals were later donated to local groups.
Canadian artist Sara Graham designed On the Other Side of Tomorrow for a maintenance building. It features concrete patterns representing nature and cities. Aazhoge, a 3-meter (10-foot) tall sculpture of tree bark by Anishinaabe artist Michael Belmore, celebrates First Nations. It is visible when entering or leaving the Canadian Port of Entry.
Other artworks are still being developed. Canadian artist Jordan Sook is creating a piece to remember the Underground Railroad. Another Canadian artist, Douglas Coupland, is designing the bridge's special lighting.
Connecting Highways and Paths
Highway 401 (Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway)
In Canada, the Gordie Howe International Bridge is the new western end of Ontario Highway 401. This highway was extended to connect directly to the bridge. This extension is called the Rt. Hon. Herb Gray Parkway. It is built below ground level and has six lanes.
The parkway also includes 300 acres (1.2 km²) of green space and over 20 kilometers (12 miles) of recreational trails. Seven bridges and two tunnels separate these trails from the roads. Construction of the parkway began in 2011 and was finished in November 2015.
During the parkway's construction, special care was taken to protect local wildlife. Biologists moved Butler's garter snakes and eastern fox snakes to new habitats. These new homes are protected by special fencing along the highway.
Interstate 75
On the U.S. side, Interstate 75 connects to the bridge through a new interchange. This means drivers can easily get on and off the highway. About 3 kilometers (2 miles) of Interstate 75 were rebuilt and widened. Local roads were also improved, and new pedestrian bridges were added.
Walking and Biking Path
The Gordie Howe International Bridge includes a special path for pedestrians and cyclists. This path is the first legal way for people to walk or bike across the Detroit River. It connects to local streets and trails on both sides.
This path is part of the Trans Canada Trail. It links trail networks like the Canadian Great Lakes Waterfront Trail and the American Iron Belle Trail. There are customs facilities for walkers and bikers, so they don't have to mix with vehicle traffic. Crossing the bridge on foot or by bike is free.
Community Benefits from the Project
The bridge project included a special fund of US$20 million for community benefits. This money supported local groups and improved parks, trails, and streets in both the U.S. and Canada. Grants were also given for home improvements in the Delray neighborhood and to Walpole Island First Nation.
Contractors were encouraged to hire people from Detroit and Windsor. They also provided apprenticeships and training for workers. This helped create jobs and develop skills in the local areas.
Opposition to the Bridge
The owner of the nearby Ambassador Bridge was strongly against the new crossing. He believed that a new, publicly owned bridge would reduce his business. He tried to stop its construction in various ways.
Despite this opposition, the project moved forward. The public voted against a proposal that would have made it harder to build the bridge. Lawsuits trying to stop construction were also dismissed. This allowed the Gordie Howe International Bridge to be built as planned.
Naming the Bridge
The project's early names, like Detroit River International Crossing (DRIC), were not very popular. People wanted a more meaningful name.
In late 2010, David Bradley suggested naming the bridge after Canadian hockey legend Gordie Howe. Howe played most of his career for the Detroit Red Wings. His son, Marty Howe, supported the idea, saying it would symbolize his father's journey from Canada to Detroit.
On May 14, 2015, Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper officially announced the bridge would be named the Gordie Howe International Bridge. Gordie Howe, who was 87 and in poor health, was pleased with the honor. He passed away a year later, in June 2016, two years before construction began.
See also
- Blue Water Bridge – Connects Port Huron, Michigan, to Sarnia, Ontario
- Detroit–Windsor Tunnel – A car-van-bus link between the two cities
- List of bridges in Canada
- List of international bridges in North America
